Showing 289-384 of 568 items found in Arts & Culture

This latest high-tech “Transformers “ installment involves a race between the Autobots and Decepticons to find a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon. Highlights include amazing scenes of downtown Chicago being destroyed by the battling robots.

In this thriller, two married business executives meet on a Metra train to Chicago and begin a dangerous affair. Chicago filming sites include Union Station, a 1920s stunner designed by Daniel Burnham that is still a major rail hub in the city today; and the ice rink at Millennium Park, Chicago's 24-acre showplace for the arts that also features the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a unique outdoor performance venue.

In this thriller, two married business executives meet on a Metra train to Chicago and begin a dangerous affair. Chicago filming sites include Union Station, a 1920s stunner designed by Daniel Burnham that is still a major rail hub in the city today; and the ice rink at Millennium Park, Chicago's 24-acre showplace for the arts that also features the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a unique outdoor performance venue.

This latest high-tech “Transformers “ installment involves a race between the Autobots and Decepticons to find a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon. Highlights include amazing scenes of downtown Chicago being destroyed by the battling robots.

Two young strangers are thrown together by a phone call from a mysterious woman who pushes them into increasingly dangerous situations as she tracks their every move and controls them via technology while they are pursued by the FBI.

This latest high-tech “Transformers “ installment involves a race between the Autobots and Decepticons to find a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon. Highlights include amazing scenes of downtown Chicago being destroyed by the battling robots.

The life of legendary baseball star Babe Ruth is the focus of this biopic. The Danville Stadium (home to the present-day Danville Dans college baseball team) was used to portray Fenway Park and Forbes Field in the film. Wrigley Field in Chicago was used to represent all of the other baseball parks featured in the movie. Cubs fans can tell the location just by looking at how the grass is distinctively cut near first and third bases.

This romantic comedy is all about looking for love and trying to find the answer to the age-old question of whether men and women can really be just friends. The opening scene in which Harry and Sally meet right after graduating from college was filmed at the English Gothic-style University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, which was co-founded in 1890 by oil magnate John D. Rockefeller.

In this romantic comedy a lonely Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) worker saves a handsome commuter from being hit by an El (elevated) train and tries to fool his family into believing that the two are engaged while he is hospitalized in a coma. Naturally, Chicago's CTA trains are prominently featured, along with North Michigan Avenue (home to upscale shops and boutiques) and the luxurious Lake Point Tower, one of the premier residential addresses in Chicago.

Two young strangers are thrown together by a phone call from a mysterious woman who pushes them into increasingly dangerous situations as she tracks their every move and controls them via technology while they are pursued by the FBI.

In this romantic comedy a lonely Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) worker saves a handsome commuter from being hit by an El (elevated) train and tries to fool his family into believing that the two are engaged while he is hospitalized in a coma. Naturally, Chicago's CTA trains are prominently featured, along with North Michigan Avenue (home to upscale shops and boutiques) and the luxurious Lake Point Tower, one of the premier residential addresses in Chicago.

In this wacky comedy a Chicago family takes a hysterical road trip across country to reach a theme park on the West Coast. Illinois scenes include Buckingham Fountain in downtown Chicago's Grant Park (seen spouting its famous cascades of water in the background as the family leaves Chicago) and the Poplar Street Bridge that spans the Mississippi River in East St. Louis (where the family gets lost).

Two young strangers are thrown together by a phone call from a mysterious woman who pushes them into increasingly dangerous situations as she tracks their every move and controls them via technology while they are pursued by the FBI.

This classic Chicago teen comedy involves the wise-cracking title character who decides to cut school and see the city with his friends. Their romp around Chicago includes stops at The Art Institute (one of the world's leading art museums that's known for its important collection of French Impressionist paintings), Chicago Board of Trade (the world's oldest futures and options exchange that's housed in a magnificent Art Deco building), and the Willis Tower Skydeck (offering dizzying views of the city from atop one of the world's tallest buildings). The movie's famed Twist and Shout scene was filmed during the city's annual Von Steuben Day Parade.

This classic Chicago teen comedy involves the wise-cracking title character who decides to cut school and see the city with his friends. Their romp around Chicago includes stops at The Art Institute (one of the world's leading art museums that's known for its important collection of French Impressionist paintings), Chicago Board of Trade (the world's oldest futures and options exchange that's housed in a magnificent Art Deco building), and the Sears Tower Skydeck (offering dizzying views of the city from atop one of the world's tallest buildings). The movie's famed Twist and Shout scene was filmed during the city's annual Von Steuben Day Parade.

This classic Chicago teen comedy involves the wise-cracking title character who decides to cut school and see the city with his friends. Their romp around Chicago includes stops at The Art Institute (one of the world's leading art museums that's known for its important collection of French Impressionist paintings), Chicago Board of Trade (the world's oldest futures and options exchange that's housed in a magnificent Art Deco building), and the Sears Tower Skydeck (offering dizzying views of the city from atop one of the world's tallest buildings). The movie's famed Twist and Shout scene was filmed during the city's annual Von Steuben Day Parade.

Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime in this sequel, as he sets out to rid the streets of the remaining criminal organizations that curse the city. He makes progress until finding himself as prey to a reign of chaos set free by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker.

Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime in this sequel, as he sets out to rid the streets of the remaining criminal organizations that curse the city. He makes progress until finding himself as prey to a reign of chaos set free by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker.

Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime in this sequel, as he sets out to rid the streets of the remaining criminal organizations that curse the city. He makes progress until finding himself as prey to a reign of chaos set free by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker.

Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime in this sequel, as he sets out to rid the streets of the remaining criminal organizations that curse the city. He makes progress until finding himself as prey to a reign of chaos set free by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker.

Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime in this sequel, as he sets out to rid the streets of the remaining criminal organizations that curse the city. He makes progress until finding himself as prey to a reign of chaos set free by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker.

This powerful, 31-story tower was designed by Jacques Brownson (b. 1923) of C. F. Murphy Associates. Composed of three massive structural bays, each an unprecedented 87-feet wide and nearly 48-feet deep, and supported by warren trusses at every floor, the building achieves incredible structural integrity and interior flexibility. The exterior wall plane consists of 12-foot-high windows with amber-tinted glass and 6-foot-high panels of self-weathering Cor-Ten steel, which has aged to a rich brown color. The large public plaza features a 50-foot-tall Cor-Ten sculpture of 1967 by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), gifted by him to the city of Chicago. The Daley Center plaza is one in a line of three important public plazas in the heart of the Loop (see also the Federal Center and Chase Bank Plaza). Photo courtesy of AIA Chicago, Wes Urschel. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 Great Places in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com

This excellent comedy follows the pursuits of a pair of suburban Aurora slacker friends who have a public access cable show and a penchant for ‘70s rock. The movie was filmed on location in Aurora and Chicago. One of the notable Chicago sites includes a kitschy gift shop with a large Indian statue on its roof.

This crime thriller involves an eminent surgeon who is wrongly accused of murdering his wife and is pursued by a relentless U.S. Marshal. The film was shot around the city, including scenes at the majestic Hilton Chicago (which was the largest hotel in the world when it opened in 1927), downtown Daley Plaza (the site of numerous outdoor events year round, ranging from Pumpkin Plaza in October to Christkindlmarket during the holidays), the L train (named for the elevated tracks that encircle the city) and even a foot chase through a parade.

This crime thriller involves an eminent surgeon who is wrongly accused of murdering his wife and is pursued by a relentless U.S. Marshal. The film was shot around the city, including scenes at the majestic Hilton Chicago (which was the largest hotel in the world when it opened in 1927), downtown Daley Plaza (the site of numerous outdoor events year round, ranging from Pumpkin Plaza in October to Christkindlmarket during the holidays), the L train (named for the elevated tracks that encircle the city) and even a foot chase through a parade.

John Wellborn Root designed the Rookery in 1885-9, which reflects the development of new structural systems for large urban buildings during that time. It holds one of the most spectacular interior spaces in the state, an elaborate main lobby and light court that were renovated by Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) in 1905. The Rookery was named a Chicago Landmark in 1972, listed to the National Register in 1970, and named a National Historic Landmark in 1975. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 Great Places in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com

Carson Pirie Scott & Company’s former flagship store, designed by Louis H. Sullivan (1856-1924) was also built in stages, beginning in 1899, 1903, augmented by an addition by D. H. Burnham & Co. in 1906, and ending with a 1961 addition by Holabird and Root. Although Carson’s wide windows and narrow piers are expressive of the internal steel frame, the building is more famous for its exquisite ornament by Sullivan. The embellished storefronts, newly restored decorative cornice, and ornate columns capitals on the interior all bear Sullivan’s personal style of ornament. It was both named a Chicago Landmark and listed in the National Register in 1970. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1975. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 Great Places in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com

A thirty story court house and a forty-five-story office building, the federal building was completed after Mies' death in 1969. The building's sober black and gray exterior expression, the steel mullion and glass model, counterpoints the curving forms and bright red paint of Alexander Calder's sculpture. Photo courtesy of AIA Chicago, Wes Urschel.

The Auditorium Building original configuration combined a theater seating, a four-hundred-room hotel, and 136 offices and stores. The hotel lobby with a notable interior is now Roosevelt University. The Auditorium Building is one of the best-known designs of Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1975 and it was designated a Chicago Landmark on September 15, 1976.

Brandos Speakeasy, the Chicago Loop bar in the historic South Loop, is where everyone wants to be. Once you enter Brando’s Speakeasy, which is a landmark status building, you will be impressed and welcomed with the intimate, warm, feeling you get from the staff as well as the patrons.

The Black Ensemble Theater is a dynamic organization described as a local cornerstone, a national treasure and an international success. It has launched over 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists since its inception. Annually 50,000 patrons experience its musical theater and it has become one of the most prominant African-American theater companies in the nation.

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) creates musical experiences that entertain and enlighten, inspire change, and build community. CGMC has been an integral part of Chicago’s cultural and gay communities since 1983. For the last three decades, CGMC has entertained audiences across the continent with innovative musical programming and features an active membership of over 200 singers. Among CGMC’s performances are traditional choral concerts, musical revues, original commissions, and full-length book musicals.

Discover the gay-friendly shops and restaurants of Andersonville, then head to Edgewater to see Art Deco and Tudor Revival architecture in the Bryn Mawr Historic District. Tours depart from the Chicago Cultural Center.

This huge club features two dance floors, four bars, several spacious lounges, drag queen hosts and music spun by live DJs. Regular live events include singers (complete with go-go boy dancers) and special theme nights.

This dance bar, located in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, plays music that ranges from retro to pop and show tunes. Themed video nights include Britney Spears videos all evening long on the last Friday of the month.

The National Hellenic Museum is the only major museum in the United States dedicated to telling the story of Greek history, culture and arts from ancient times to today. It's mission is to preserve and explore Hellenism and to chronicle the Greek American journey through exhibitions, oral histories, archival collections and education programs. It's purpose is to inspire in people of all backgrounds a curiosity for their own story through a greater connection to Greek history, culture and the arts.

Gravity Shapes the Universe is a three room exhibit that talks about gravity on Earth, in Space and in the extreme environment of a black hole. Even though we feel like gravity is down, actually gravity is together -- we are pulled towards the Earth, no matter if we are standing in Chicago or on the South Pole.The pull of gravity depends on how big the planet is, which is proven through an interactive exhibit that shows how heavy a soda can is on the Moon, Earth and Jupiter.

Step out and enjoy a view like you’ve never experienced before at Skydeck Chicago’s The Ledge. Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the Ledge’s glass boxes jut out from the side of the skyscraper, offering unparalleled views of Chicago and four neighboring states.

Visitors can enjoy a dazzling music, light and water show at the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest fountains in the world. Located at Columbus Drive, shows runs from dusk to 11pm every hour and lasts for 20 minutes. Operates April through mid-October.

Hyde Park Hair Salon, originally Joe’s Barbershop, was founded in 1927 by young entrepreneur Joe Taylor. The salon began as an entrance to the Hyde Park Theatre but was soon sectioned off and transformed into a unique neighborhood barbershop. Years later, Joe’s Barbershop was sold to a new owner, the name of the shop was later changed, becoming Hyde Park Hair Salon. In 2007, the Hyde Park Theatre building was sold to the University of Chicago. The entire building was vacated which caused Hyde Park Hair Salon to relocate to its current location on Blackstone. The overall atmosphere combined with a trendy service menu has maintained a loyal and successful clientele during the past 83 years including celebrities Spike Lee, Phil Gates, Devon Hester, Bill Veeck, Suge Knight, Muhammad Ali, Harold Washington, and President Barack Obama, a patron of more than 17 years. President Barack Obama’s recent election caused a spike in the number of tourists visiting the barbershop.

Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline offers 90-minute tours for the whole family that include lake and river cruises, fireworks cruises, canine cruises and night cruises all departing from the landscaped dock on Chicago’s Riverwalk at the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Cruising season May - October.

UP Comedy Club presents an eclectic mix of comedy seven days a week featuring the best in Chicago stand-up, sketch and improv comedy. The club also features a full service kitchen and bar with a no drink minimum.

Offers sightseeing tours in more than 150 destinations on six continents and is widely recognized as the world's leader in sightseeing tours, ground transportation, charter service, airport transfers, and convention services.

Kayak through canyons of skyscrapers and architectural wonders, or explore the waters just off beautiful Lake Michigan. Kayak Chicago is Chicago’s premier full-service outfitter, offering a variety of tours with certified instructors and guides. It’s a truly unique way to experience the urban landscape.

The Chicago Riverwalk trail in downtown Chicago is an easy way to experience the vibrant city while exploring some of its more nature-oriented offerings. This trail is rated as easy, and will take you only 2.5 hours or 4.2 miles round-trip to complete.

Take the 3-hour food tasting and cultural walking Chicago tours, which combine delicious food and drink tastings with some serious fun in Chicago’s most delicious, off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels, you’ll experience delectable foods from one-of-a-kind specialty food stores and ethnic eateries while receiving an insiders view into the culture, history and architecture that defines the Windy City. Walk away with new culinary perspectives, big smiles, satisfied taste buds and the confidence to continue exploring the areas where locals live.

Metro's mission is to bring a cross-platform of the best local, regional and national emerging artists to Chicago. Since, 1982, Metro has accomplished this goal repeatedly and established itself as one of the country's premier, cutting edge new music venues.

Proudly referred to as Chicago's "Front yard," Grant Park is a public park, 319 acres located in Chicago’s central business district in the Loop Community area. Grant Park’s most notable features include Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, The Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum Campus. Named for United States President and Civil War General, Ulysses S. Grant, Grant Park was developed as one of Chicago's first parks and expanded through land reclamation.

ARTrevolution is a new gallery venue in the Pilsen neighborhood. We are located at 600 W. Cermak, 10 minutes from downtown and 10 minutes from McCormick Place, just east of Halsted Street. With 6500 sq. ft. of open space it is a unique venue for your special event. ARTrevolution has hardwood floors, brick walls, 14 ft. wood beamed ceilings and 2 walls of windows allowing for lots of natural light. We have original art with track lighting, black chandeliers, 2 flat screen TV’s and the ability to project onto an 8 ft. x 12 ft. AV screen. The building has ample parking conveniently surrounding it. Our capacity for a stand up cocktail party is 400 guests. Sit down dinner is 250-300 guests. We have additional space available for a ceremony, pre-function or meetings that can be added to your rental under one roof. Host your next special event at ARTrevolution.

Chicago Music Tour, Inc. specializes in guided bus tours of Chicago music history, including jazz, rock, blues, classical & soul. Tours feature a soundtrack of songs for each sight or stop. Open since 2011, the tours have received widespread acclaim. Tours include the Chicago Bound Blues Tour, Chicago Rocks 1980-2005, The Chicago Music Tour, Raised in Chicago Jazz Tour, Michigan Avenue Serenade Soul Tour, & Chicago Rock Stars tour. Tours run on weekends, but are available for private events.

Visit Chicago’s largest visual arts center. Founded in 1975, Lillstreet Art Center is a large community of artists and students working side-by-side in a friendly environment, which encourages and inspires artistic growth in the individual. Our center on Ravenswood Ave., boasts state-of-art equipment and more than 800 art classes and workshops to choose from each year. We support the arts through educational classes for adults and youth, an artist-in-residency program, a gallery with local and national work, studio space, an outreach program, and an arts-based professional development program. Join us for free events throughout the year such as, open houses, art fairs, and gallery receptions or stop by anytime to browse our unique artisan gift shop and have a bite in the café.

The world-renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago performs in one of North America's most beautiful opera houses, the Civic Opera House. The decorative character of the entire building is a hybrid of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Comedy-tragedy masks and cornucopia of instruments abound as playful ornaments around entrances, inspired by the Paris Opera House designed by Jean-Louis-Charles Garnier. The famous painted fire curtain (depicting the parade scene from Aida) and the interior decoration details of the Civic Opera House were created by American artist Jules Guerin in a palette of salmon pinks, roses, olives, golds and bronzes.

For 25 years, The Annoyance Theatre has created some of Chicago's finest comedy. Home of the longest running musical Co-ed Prison Sluts, The Annoyance uses improvisation to create new and original plays, musicals, sketch-comedy and more, in a vibrant, uncensored atmosphere.

When you think about Chicago you think Improv Comedy. And when Chicago improvisers think improv they think The Playground Theater. The Playground is the Chicago Improvisers improv theater. This performer run comedy club features the best in Chicago improv and sketch comedy. With shows 7 nights a week, The Playground is a perfect place to start your night with a friends and a laugh.

Named for the late improvising guru Martin de Maat, this 49-seat theater is dedicated to presenting productions that are rooted in the crafts of theatrical improvisation and sketch comedy as taught by The Second City Training Center.

pH is a comedy theater in Chicago that has been putting on original comedic work since 2002. pH shows are a fully participatory experience and you will leave most every show having had a hand in its outcome. pH also strives to be an affordable alternative for your entertainment dollar, with most shows falling around $10 per ticket.

Adventure Stage Chicago creates dynamic and transformative theatre for young audiences that activates the imagination, inspires dialogue and strengthens community among families, educators and artists.

We operate Chicago’s premier Hop On Hop Off ® city sightseeing tours in the classic red & green Trolleys and fun-filled Double Decker buses. We also offer private group transportation for special events such as weddings, parties, and corporate outings. For 19 years the Hop On Hop Off® sightseeing tour has been the gold standard for entertaining and informative tours. Covering 13 miles and 14 stops, the Signature Tour is an eye-popping adventure through the heart of Chicago, giving you the option of Hopping On and Off at your choice of stops to visit the hottest retail, cultural, and family attractions. Summer tours include neighborhood tours and night tours.

Since 1996, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company's passion for the power of great theatrical language has enriched Chicago's world-class theatre scene. Masterful acting and directing by the company's ensemble of professional artists showcases the wit and wisdom of the world's great playwrights. Photo: cast of Remy Bumppo's production of George Bernard Shaw's You Never Can Tell.

The Chicago Pedway Tour will lead you through the Pedway, the backdrop for an amusing and enlightening tour of some of the hot-spots (or a least warm-spots) of downtown Chicago. The tour focuses on interesting anecdotes and tales about some of the great buildings downtown, but it’s also a study of the city underneath the city. The Pedway is a strange and wonderful place and adds so much to the city’s personality. These are great tours for Chicagoans who want to learn more about the city and for tourists who want a full Chicago experience without ever going outside. The tour is 90 minutes and is $20. Monday/Thursday/Saturday at 10:30 am. Please note: the start location for the Monday and Thursday tour is at 40 W. Lake St. in the “Gallery of Shops.” The start location for the Saturday tour is at start at Block 37 – 108 N. State St.

The Artistic Home creates theatre and film that explores and celebrates the truth within us. Through extraordinary acting, we seek to ignite an audience’s imagination, to reach deep into the primal to send tremors through the intellect, to give birth to unforgettable moments by working in an intimate space, to touch audiences who are increasingly distanced from human contact. We readdress the classics and explore new works with passion. We give artists a home where they can shape, develop and strengthen their artistic voice.

InFusion Theatre Company’s mission is to seek out new plays and organically “infuse” them with other elements of entertainment such as music, dance, and film. We strive to create dynamic performances by combining different forms of entertainment that will result in both exciting and thought-provoking work.

It is our mission to nurture small to mid-size theater companies toward continued growth and expression in an artists’ space at the heart of the Chicago theater community. We strive to provide an epicenter for diverse artistic points of view and excellent entertainment through area partnerships, annual programming, educational events, careful selection of resident theater companies, affiliations with the League of Chicago Theaters, and local Chambers of Commerce.

As a production company, Theater Wit’s is the premier smart art theater in Chicago, producing humorous, challenging, and intelligent plays that speak with a vibrant and contemporary theatrical voice. As an institution, Theater Wit seeks to be the hub of the Chicago neighborhood theater scene. In our three spaces, we bring together Chicago’s best storefront theater companies. Here you will find a smorgasbord of excellent productions, see the work of a parade of talented artists, and mingle with audiences from all over Chicago.

The Saint Sebastian Players is a membership-based theatre company producing dramas, comedies and musicals. We emphasize collaborative theatre development in a supportive environment that fosters learning and growth. We believe theatre helps people more fully understand themselves and each other. Photo credit: (L–R) Daniel Pass as young Alexi, Megan Faye Izzo as Ivana and Evan Voboril as Vladimir in the Saint Sebastian Players' world premiere of Leigh Johnson's Lefties. Photo by John Oster.

Center on Halsted is the Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to building and strengthening the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community. Center on Halsted's Community and Cultural team creates and hosts a wide array of fun, interactive and engaging programs enjoyed by members of the entire community. Events range from volleyball games in our gymnasium to dance recitals in our theatre. We host regular receptions showcasing local LGBTQ artists and special events for LGBTQ families and friends.

FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island is an outdoor concert hall in Chicago. It is located on Northerly Island on the grounds of the former Meigs Field general aviation airport. Construction started in 2005. The venue seats 7,500 people and hosts many different musical artists and shows.

The Joffrey is a world-class, Chicago-based ballet company that performs a unique repertoire encompassing masterpieces of the past and cutting-edge works. Director Gerald Arpino brings a uniquely American style of dance featuring ballets from the great choreographers of the 20th century. Many prolific choreographers have worked with the Joffrey including Paul Taylor, Twyla Tharp, George Balanchine, and founders Gerald Arpino and Robert Joffrey. Photo credit: Joffrey Ballet

Award-winning Executive Chef Baasim Zafar and team serve homemade scones, delectable pastries and tea sweets prepared in house daily, reflecting locally sourced ingredients to ensure an authentically memorable experience. From the original blend of “Palm Court” tea created specifically for The Drake Hotel to the china and sterling silver service with the enchanting ambiance of the live harpist in the background, afternoon tea is truly a memorable experience for all.

The A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum was founded in 1995 by Dr. Lyn Hughes. The facility is located in the Historic Pullman District in Chicago Illinois. The facility is named after men who made history - Asa Philip Randolph and Pullman Porters, the men who made up the membership of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) union. Randolph was the chief organizer and co-founder of the BSCP, the first African-American labor union in the country to win a collective bargaining agreement. Under Randolph's leadership, the Pullman Porters fought a valiant battle for employment equality with the corporate giant, the Pullman Rail Car Company.

Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature

The largest African American history and literature collection in the Midwest, the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature contains a wealth of precious documentation of the black experience. The collection places a strong focus on African American history in Illinois.

2120 S. Michigan Ave. is one of the most famous addresses in all of American pop history. Former home of the legendary Chess Records label from 1957 to 1967, 2120 housed the studio and recording company that begat legendary recordings by Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, Etta James, Aretha Franklin and dozens of others.

Explore Chicago on a memorable 40-minute Lake Michigan tour featuring panoramic views of Chicago's world-famous skyline as well as information on the city's dramatic history and impressive landmarks. Departs from Navy Pier.

Enjoy beer samplings, specially prepared appetizers and meet guest Brewmasters from Lagunitas Bewing Company on this 90-minute lake Cruise. Cash bar also available. Shoreline Brew Cruises depart Gateway Park at Navy Pier at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays June 20, July 11 and August 8. Must be 21. Information on website or 312-222-9328

Featuring the wines of Chicago-area Lynfred Winery plus light refreshments and 90-minute cruise on Shoreline's climate-controlled Celebration. You will also receive a full pour of your favorite wine from the tasting. Depart Gateway Park at Navy Pier at 7:30 p.,m. on Thursdays, July 24, August 21 and September 11. Must be 21, See website for details, 312-222-9328